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Audit of Quinn Program Sent to Authorities

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A scathing audit of an anti-violence program launched by Gov. Pat Quinn in 2010 has been sent to law enforcement authorities.

Republican lawmakers released a letter Friday from Auditor General William Holland. It indicated the audit of Quinn’s $55 million “Neighborhood Recovery Initiative” went to James Lewis, U.S. attorney for the central district of Illinois, and Ricardo Meza (MAY’-zuh), the state’s executive inspector general. The legislators had asked Holland to forward his findings.

The Democrat Quinn initiated the Chicago-area anti-violence program in the fall of 2010. But Holland’s audit found “pervasive deficiencies” in the program which Republicans believe could involve criminal activity. Quinn has said he’s the one who fixed problems.

A Lewis spokeswoman confirmed receiving the audit. A Meza spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.